Latest news with #cosmetics
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Hourglass Cosmetics expands into Saudi Arabia with vegan, purpose-driven line
DUBAI: A little while ago, I attended a masterclass for Hourglass Cosmetics in Dubai. As someone who does not wear much makeup — I do not own foundation or even basic tools — I was curious to see whether this much-talked-about brand could change my mind. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ As the class unfolded and the makeup artist demonstrated how to create their signature 'dewy' look, I wondered: Is this brand for someone like me? After the session, I browsed the range, got shade-matched, and tested a few brushes. A few days later, I received a curated selection of cult favourites: the Airbrush Primer, Skin Tint, a clump-free mascara, a richly pigmented liquid blush, a volumising glossy balm, and other treats. I decided to put it all to the test. The results surprised me. I did not look overly made up — my sun spots were still visible beneath the tint — but my skin looked fresh, and my cheeks had that light, rosy flush you usually only get from a good mood or better lighting. A post shared by Hourglass Cosmetics (@hourglasscosmetics) The next test was longevity. I applied the entire routine at 5 a.m. before a flight to Rome. By 11 p.m. local time, my friends were amazed that my makeup was still intact. It was time for a purge — ditch the old products and restock with what really worked. So I decided to learn more about the Hourglass brand; its philosophy, iconic products and their foray into the Gulf Cooperation Council region, especially Saudi Arabia. Founded by beauty entrepreneur Carisa Janes in 2004, Hourglass was born to challenge the traditional idea of luxury beauty. 'From the outset, my vision was to merge innovation with integrity,' Janes tells Arab News. 'I wanted to prove that you don't have to compromise on ethics to experience exceptional quality.' This philosophy has been at the heart of Hourglass since day one, setting them apart in an industry that, at the time, was not prioritizing cruelty-free beauty at a luxury level. The brand quickly carved a niche for itself by combining high-performance formulations with a cruelty-free philosophy — something rarely seen in luxury beauty at the time — and eventually made the bold move to go fully vegan. 'At the time, luxury beauty was so often synonymous with indulgence, with little consideration for animal welfare. I could not accept that performance had to come at the cost of compassion.' A post shared by Hourglass Cosmetics (@hourglasscosmetics) Every product they create is designed to push boundaries, both in innovation and impact. The Unlocked Collection, for instance, is rooted in the brand's commitment to animal welfare, with 5 percent of net profits supporting the Nonhuman Rights Project's work to secure fundamental rights for animals. 'The collection embodies the fusion of luxury and performance, offering high-impact, radiant formulas that feel as indulgent as they are purposeful,' Janes said. Equally groundbreaking is the Ambient Lighting Collection, inspired by the transformative power of light. 'I wanted to develop powders that could recreate the most flattering lighting effects — whether it is the soft glow of candlelight or the diffused radiance of golden hour,' she says. The result was a finely milled, photoluminescent formula that enhances the complexion in an almost ethereal way — subtle yet transformative, and now one of Hourglass's most iconic innovations. A staple among celebrity makeup artists and celebrities alike, the brand is now fast extending its presence within the GCC, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. A post shared by Hourglass Cosmetics (@hourglasscosmetics) Janes said the Kingdom 'is an incredibly exciting market. There's a distinct appreciation for artistry, luxury, and innovation — qualities that are intrinsic to Hourglass.' As Saudi consumers increasingly seek brands that align with their values, Hourglass's cruelty-free, vegan philosophy feels especially timely. Janes notes that Hourglass has seen strong momentum across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the expansion into Saudi Arabia is a natural step in their global strategy. 'The Kingdom represents a key market in our global expansion, with a beauty industry that continues to grow at a remarkable pace,' she said. Janes' ultimate vision for Hourglass is to redefine luxury beauty for the future — to prove that artistry, innovation and ethics can coexist at the highest level. 'I hope that when people think of Hourglass, they don't just see a brand, but a movement — one that proves luxury can be transformative, not just for those who wear it, but for the world at large.'
News.com.au
a day ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘I cried for an entire day': Hacking that turned into a three month nightmare for a new business
A young woman has revealed how her business came 'crashing down' after her Meta accounts got hacked, which turned into a three-month nightmare. Melissa Haddad, 30, works full-time as a lawyer but had always dreamt of launching her own cosmetics brand. She wanted to create a make-up brand that put skincare first and she launched DEIA cosmetics in March 2025. Ms Haddad told that she's always loved how 'beauty can make people feel' and wanted to capture that feeling through her brand. The 30-year-old's dream didn't happen overnight; it took five years to get the brand off the ground, and it wasn't cheap. 'I invested over $100,000 to get DEIA off the ground. The biggest investment was formula development and investing in stock given the big-quality ingredients we use,' she said. 'It took me five years from conceptualisation to launch DEIA alongside working full time as a corporate lawyer. There were no shortcuts from a financial perspective.' The excitement of finally launching the brand was sadly short-lived, as a month later, the brand's social media accounts got hacked and Ms Haddad lost access. After trying and failing to regain access to them through Meta's support services, the business owner decided to cut her losses and create new social media accounts for the brand. It wasn't ideal, but the solution worked, until she tried to use Meta Ads to grow her business and immediately hit a wall. Meta Ads is a marketing tool offered by Meta Platforms that allows businesses to create targeted advertising across the tech giant's platforms. 'I quickly realised that, even with new accounts, I can't run Meta ads due to legacy issues,' Ms Haddad said. 'The most important being that my brand's website is 'owned' by the hacked Meta accounts, which I no longer can access. So even if (I was) running Meta Ads, I can't redirect people anywhere, making running the ads pointless.' Ms Haddad then spent weeks going back and forth with Meta trying to resolve the issue, but it was all very complicated. For instance the hackers had changed her email address and, therefore, it was becoming increasingly hard to prove the accounts belonged to her in the first place. The 30-year-old said at times it felt like she was 'banging' her head against a wall to find a solution. 'It was super exhausting,' she said. The whole thing has been a massive headache and Ms Haddad said it was a big 'challenge' for her business. The brand was new in an already competitive market and she couldn't even target consumers the way she wanted to. 'We had amazing momentum after launch for a few weeks but that came crashing down really quickly when I couldn't run Meta Ads,' she said. 'One of the biggest challenges for any new business is building brand awareness and being able to capture data and re-target consumers or potential customers who have seen the brand. 'It has been near impossible to measure things like how well we are re-targeting customers because that all lies in the Meta Ads infrastructure.' has reached out to Meta for comment. Ms Haddad said the whole thing just felt like a giant 'shame' and it was awful that she couldn't just fix the issue and get her Meta accounts back. It was also impossible to know just how many sales she lost because of it or how much it impacted the brand's growth. 'The biggest tangible loss is, of course, lost sales revenue, and because the hack happened a week after we launched, I really only have that week to go off in terms of the dollar amount of lost sales revenue,' she explained. 'Based on that week's sales prior to the hack - we would have lost potential sales revenue of around $25,000 a month, if not more as we haven't been able to scale. 'Obviously as a new brand without the ability to run Meta Ads, our brand awareness has grown slowly compared given our content is only reaching organic followers.' The business owner stressed that losing a brand's social media accounts in 2025 is a really big deal. 'I felt like everything suddenly has flopped and we missed the opportunity to build momentum around launch when the novelty and excitement of a new brand is already there,' she said. Finally, after three months, Ms Haddad regained access to her original hacked accounts, but she had to get creative. 'Ultimately, I felt like I was not even close to a resolution after going around in circles for three months with the various layers of Meta's support system,' she said. 'I ended up reaching out to my own personal network and was referred to someone within Meta's Australian division who could help me reset my credentials and obtain ownership of my hacked account. 'I couldn't believe my eyes when I finally saw my account. I think I cried for an entire day. The relief was indescribable.'
Health Line
2 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Tocopheryl Acetate: Does It Really Work?
Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) is a specific form of tocopheryl acetate, which is a synthetic form of Vitamin E that's often found in skin care products and dietary supplements. It's also known as tocopheryl acetate, tocopherol acetate, or vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help to protect your body from damaging compounds called free radicals. Free radicals form as a result of various processes, such as when your body converts food and oxygen into energy, or as a by-product of enzyme reactions. However, free radicals can also come from UV light, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and other external factors. In nature, vitamin E comes in the form of tocopheryl or tocotrienol. Both tocopheryl and tocotrienol have four forms, known as alpha, beta, gamma, and delta. Alpha-tocopheryl (AT) is the most active form of vitamin E in humans. Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) is more stable than AT, meaning it can better withstand environmental stresses such as heat, air, and light. This makes it ideal for use in supplements and fortified foods because it has a longer shelf life. Where can I find tocopheryl acetate? Cosmetics and supplements You'll find ATA in a variety of skin care products. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E may help to prevent damage to skin caused by free radicals from UV exposure. Vitamin E may also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Due to its higher stability, ATA is also used in vitamin E dietary supplements. When taken orally, ATA is converted to AT within the intestine. Vitamin E is in most multi-vitamins, so be sure to check how much is in your multi-vitamin if you take one, before adding a supplement. Foods In addition to dietary supplements and cosmetic products, you can find vitamin E in the following foods: green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach oils, such as sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and corn oil sunflower seeds nuts, such as almonds and peanuts whole grains fruits, such as kiwi and mango Vitamin E is also added to fortified foods, such as cereals, fruit juices, and many spreads. You can check food labels to see if vitamin E has been added. If you want to increase your vitamin E intake, you should start by first increasing your intake of these foods. Potential benefits Using AT on the skin, especially with vitamin C, may help to prevent UV damage to the skin. In a review of studies, the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University found that using AT with vitamin C on the skin decreased sunburned cells, DNA damage, and skin pigmentation following UV exposure. However, AT is less stable in the environment than ATA, which makes it harder to store. While ATA is less sensitive to heat and light than AT is, there's less conversion of ATA to the active AT form within the skin. This is because the cells in the upper layer of your skin are much less metabolically active. As a result, using cosmetic products containing ATA on your skin may not be very effective. This is supported by a study from 2011 published in the Medical Principles and Practice journal. Using several commercial skin care products, researchers looked at the conversion of ATA to the active AT form in the skin of live rats. They found that, while there was ATA in the upper levels of the skin after using the product, there was no active AT. While there are many studies on the potential benefits of AT, studies on the benefits of ATA are limited. The results of these studies on ATA are mixed. ATA usually needs to be used with other vitamins and minerals to have a beneficial effect. A 2013 study of over 4,000 participants with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study found that their combination of high dose antioxidants C, E, and beta-carotene, along with zinc, worked to delay progression to advanced AMD. In another review of studies, the Linus Pauling Institute found that consuming ATA along with other antioxidant supplements had no effect on either the development or prevention of cataracts. Regarding the benefits of vitamin E supplements overall, study results have been mixed on whether they're beneficial for the following conditions: coronary heart disease cancer cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease Potential risks Most people don't experience side effects when taking the recommended daily dose of vitamin E, which is 15 milligrams (mg). You can get this amount from a balanced diet. It's best to consult with a doctor or dietitian before taking extra vitamin E supplements. Too much Vitamin E can cause problems. The reported tolerable upper limit dose of vitamin E for adults is 1,000 mg, though data is limited. High doses above 1,000 mg have been associated with the following side effects: dizziness fatigue headaches weakness blurred vision abdominal pain diarrhea nausea If you take high doses of vitamin E supplements, your risk of bleeding may increase. Speak to your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements if you take anticoagulant medication. It's unlikely that you'll get too much vitamin E from foods, but it can happen if you're also taking supplements. A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also showed that men taking high doses of vitamin E supplements had a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. However, a 2022 meta-analysis failed to find an association between vitamin E and prostate cancer risk. Further research is needed to clarify this issue. It's important to remember that the FDA doesn't monitor supplements for purity or quality, so choosing a reputable brand is essential. Using skin care products containing ATA can also lead to an allergic reaction, skin reddening, or rash. The bottom line ATA is a form of vitamin E that's often included in cosmetic products and dietary supplements due to its higher stability compared to AT. When taken orally, ATA is converted into active AT within the body. The effectiveness of ATA in cosmetic products seems to be limited because ATA isn't effectively broken down to AT in the upper layers of skin. Additionally, research on the benefits of ATA supplements is limited and the results are mixed at best.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Winning in Gen Alpha's ‘VirtuReal' World and Making Beauty More Science-driven: Key FIT Capstone Takeaways
'You're lowkey missing the vibe,' said a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology's Masters in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management program on Thursday evening, kicking off the program's 2025 capstone presentations. She was alluding to the influx of Gen Alpha consumers — and their slang — into the beauty industry and delivering the first of the night's three graduate research presentations, focused on the Gen Alpha beauty opportunity; innovating smartly with AI, and the 'medicalization' of beauty. More from WWD Lauren Sánchez's Glam Squad: Meet the Style Architects Behind Her Signature Look EXCLUSIVE: Jenna Bush Hager Teams With ResortPass to Rethink the Laws of Motherhood Ulta Beauty CFO Paula Oyibo Departs; Chris Lialios Named Interim Successor The night began at the school's Haft Theater with an acknowledgment of Leonard A. Lauder, who passed away earlier this month at age 92 and was, as professor and chairperson of the program Stephen Kanlian put it, 'an icon of the industry and the brainchild of the [CFMM] program.' FIT president Dr. Joyce F. Brown, who has stepped down from the role at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year after a nearly 26-year run, also delivered opening remarks. Gen Alpha, the oldest of whom are now 15 years old and are otherwise referred to as 'Sephora kids,' represent the 'longest customer relationship opportunity in beauty history,' graduates said. The cohort spent $8 billion on beauty in 2023, a number that grew to $14 billion in 2024. They are making their first beauty purchase as young as 6 years old, are expected to live well into their 80s, and are thus poised to be 'the most valuable generation in beauty,' one graduate said. 'Gen Alpha isn't defined by conventional life stages; they're defined by behaviors, values and experiences that are continuously evolving,' said one graduate. 'In the 'virtureal' world, Gen Alpha's flagship beauty destination is their phone; their beauty counter, a TikTok feed; their sampling bar, an AR filter — they're not just hanging out online, they're living there,' added another. The group, or Generation 'Next,' as graduated dubbed the presenters, have skin concerns that shift roughly every 18 to 24 months, from hydration to acne and beyond. Their favorite brand, too, changes roughly every 120 days. 'This demands faster, more agile product development,' one graduate said. While AI is currently used to make product recommendations based on an individual's concerns, graduates imagine that, in the future, it can be used to create 'base formulas with adaptable ingredients that respond in real time to the environment, stress and skin changes.' The kinds of predictive data harnessed by tech giants like Netflix and Amazon to create hyper-personalized user experiences must be adopted by beauty players who want to win, too. At the same time, it's crucial to navigate the world of generative AI with intention given that large language models can internalize biases in the data they are trained with. Companies must familiarize themselves with the risks of AI before diving in to avoid 'building on shaky ground,' one graduate said. Consumers are quickly embracing AI — 68 percent said they trust AI-generated product recommendations over traditional marketing claims — and brands, too, must not only keep up, but stay ahead. Food and beverage companies like Oreo-maker Mondelez International are already using AI to 'forecast demand, speed up development times, conduct sharper clinical trials and smarter scenario planning,' offering a model for beauty companies looking to do the same. As GLP-1s like Ozempic increasingly impact the beauty and wellness industries and the longevity movement gains steam, the future of beauty will be 'medical,' graduates said. This means 'consumers are turning to integrated medicine to solve beauty concerns,' while the prevailing formulation theme shifts 'from clean to clinical to medical.' According to graduates' research, 60 percent of consumers agree that it is 'very important' to purchase longevity products, while 70 percent plan to buy more in the future. Seventy-nine percent of plastic surgeons, meanwhile, say that 'looking better in selfies and on video calls' is a major reason why consumers are seeking cosmetic procedures. In the last four years alone, aesthetic procedures have surged 40 percent. The graduates define medicalized beauty as the convergence of aesthetics with medicine, where 'beauty concerns are reframed as biological,' rather than being 'skin-deep.' To resonate with consumers moving forward, brands should lean into science-based formulas, 'clinical visual cues' in packaging and e-commerce, increasingly collaborate with dermatologists and aestheticians and ramp up investments in product research and development. 'Imagine what could happen if beauty spent less money on selling, and more on solving,' one graduate said. 'In the future, beauty consumers will live in an optimization culture where wellness isn't a trend, it's infrastructure,' said another. The next generation coming to shake up the beauty industry includes: Chloe Lo; Hallie Gersten; Al Mezo; Angela Toscano; Rahul Sabhnani; Marisa Mazzoni; Sophia Mohamed; Caroline Bartholomew; Ali Valentin; Joshue Joseveski; Alejandra Espinosa; Haley Spechler; Rachael Larsen; Kathryn Wanner; Alexandra Voigt; Carolyn Kosturik; Brianna Bookhart; Marisa Hann; Rina Yashayeva; Julia Buonanno; Bari Blitzer; Brittany O'Leary; Delilah Owens-Schwartz; Vince Stavale and Miranda Huang. 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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Solange Knowles Just Dropped Her Beauty Routine with Ilia, and Yes, You Can Shop It Online
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Ever dreamed of achieving that signature Knowles family glow? Now's your chance: Solange just teamed up with beauty brand Ilia to launch a curated, limited-edition cosmetics collection featuring her favorite makeup products. More from Rolling Stone How to Watch Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 7 Online How to Watch 'WWE LFG' Online Without Cable How to Watch Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces Without Cable Inspired by her upcoming performances at Houston's Eldorado Ballroom later this month, the exclusive lineup features Knowles' handpicked Ilia selects, including a skin tint, eyeshadow stick, mascara, brow gel, and lip balm. The full bundle is priced at $133.45, but you can also mix and match individual products depending on your preference. shop solange x ilia The story behind this collaboration ties into Solange's work with Saint Heron — a company she launched in 2013, with the goal of uplifting Black voices in the artistic community. Through Saint Heron, the Grammy Award-winner has led powerful concert series across the country, including her upcoming show at Houston's historic Eldorado Ballroom on June 20, 2025. $133.45 Buy Now on ilia 'When I'm on the curatorial side of my practice with Saint Heron and 'The Eldorado Ballroom,' it's truly about finding a balance of being rooted in the work, the research, and the expression of these performances, but also showing up with the ease of feeling grounded in looking and feeling myself, and my best,' said Solange Knowles, in a release. 'As a longtime ILIA fan, I'm grateful to them for allowing me to create the 'Eldorado Ballroom Edit,' one that is rooted in our shared philosophies of natural skin and luminosity.' Knowles' partnership with Ilia is more than just makeup; it's a behind-the-scenes look at her creative process while curating these concerts with Saint Heron, offering fans a glimpse into how she gets ready to shine on (and off) the stage. $133.45 Buy Now on ilia 'As the granddaughter of a shoe designer and the daughter of an architect — art, architecture and design have always been a crucial strand of ILIA's DNA. Partnering with a multifaceted creative like Solange to help bring her vision of the Eldorado Ballroom Tour to life through beauty was a no-brainer,' said ILIA Founder, Sasha Plavsic, in a release. 'At ILIA, we believe in the power of storytelling, community, and beauty in all its forms, and are proud to stand alongside Solange in celebrating the heritage and continued evolution of her artistic expression in the heart of Houston.' Each product in this collection comes in multiple different color shades, is crafted with skin-loving ingredients, and is made for all-day wear — whether you're singing to a crowd of thousands or are just sitting at a desk during your 9 to 5. 'Don't You Wait,' shop the Ilia x The Eldorado Ballroom Edit by Solange now before it sells out. $133.45 Buy Now on ilia Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
